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ETS CriterionSM Library

Grade 8 Prompts

WS Music (Compare & Contrast—Expository)

Most people have a favorite type of music. What type do you like? What type does your parent or guardian prefer? Choose two different types of music and write an essay comparing and contrasting them. Provide specific details that show the similarities and differences between the types.

WS My Treasure (Expository)

Each of us owns something we treasure. Your object may not seem special to anyone else, but it has meaning to you. Write an essay explaining why this object is so important in your life. Use details and anecdotes to indicate the object’s importance.

WS Someone to Admire (Expository)

Whom do you admire? The person might be a coach, a teacher, a star, or a friend. Write an essay explaining why a certain person is deserving of your admiration. You may or may not personally know this individual, but provide details that explain why this person has earned your admiration.

WS Letter to Mentor (Narrative)

Think of a school-related event that you enjoyed and select a friend or relative to tell about the event. Write an e-mail message to the person, narrating your experience. Use specific anecdotes and details as you narrate the event.

WS Be a Friend (Narrative)

According to an old saying, “The best way to have a friend is to be a friend.” Recall a time when you did something to help one of your friends. Write a narrative essay about the experience. Focus on the way that your actions affected your friendship.

WS A New Group (Narrative)

Think about a time when you were new to a group. Perhaps it was your first day at your middle school or junior high. Perhaps it was the first practice for a school play or sports team. Write a narrative about your experience and how you learned to fit in. Include details that help the reader experience the event.

WS Wagon Train (Narrative)

Imagine that you’re a young person traveling west in a wagon train during the 1800s. Narrate what happens along the way, what you experience, and how you feel about the trip. Write your story using history you can recall and sensory details that make the events seem as real as possible.

WS School Rule (Persuasive)

If you could change one rule at your school, what would it be? Write a letter to your school board asking for a school rule to be changed. Make sure to give reasons why the change should happen and answer a possible objection to your idea.

WS Big Vacation (Persuasive)

Your parent or guardian is planning a big vacation. Where would you most like to go? Write an essay proposing a trip you would like to take and why it would be the best choice for your family. Use a variety of reasons to support your proposal.

WS Save Our Sports! (Persuasive)

Suppose that several public sports facilities in your area need repair, but the city has money to repair only one. Which facility should receive the money? In a persuasive editorial for a local newspaper, give your opinion about which sport facility should by repaired. Provide strong reasons to support your opinion.